Islamabad, July 18, 2026: Pakistan’s livestock and meat sector has the potential to become one of the country’s strongest drivers of economic growth, export diversification, employment generation and foreign exchange earnings if supported through progressive policies, technological innovation, value addition and compliance with international quality standards, speakers said at a seminar organized by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).
The seminar, titled “Future of Livestock and Meat Business,” was organized by ICCI in collaboration with Signature Skills and Certifications.
Addressing the event, ICCI Acting President Tahir Ayub said Pakistan possesses abundant livestock resources and has the capacity to emerge as a leading exporter of halal meat. However, he noted that the sector has yet to realize its full potential due to structural challenges, inadequate infrastructure and limited adoption of modern technologies.
He stressed that greater investment in value-added meat processing, cold chain logistics, traceability systems, research, innovation and internationally recognized certifications would significantly improve Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global halal meat market. He reaffirmed ICCI’s commitment to facilitating policy reforms and promoting sustainable growth of the livestock and meat industry through stronger public-private collaboration.
Chief Executive Officer of Fauji Meat Limited Brig. (Retd.) Adil Ashraf Naveed said the livestock sector is one of the largest contributors to Pakistan’s economy and has the potential to become a major source of export earnings through modern processing facilities, quality assurance and market-oriented policies. He said outdated farming practices, inadequate cold chain infrastructure, limited value addition, rising production costs and difficulties in meeting international compliance requirements continue to hinder the sector’s growth.
Chief Executive Officer and Director of Alltech Pakistan (Private) Limited Dr. Shehzad Jadoon highlighted the importance of scientific livestock management, balanced animal nutrition and modern farming practices to improve productivity and profitability. He said investment in research, technology and farmer capacity building is essential to produce premium-quality meat capable of competing in international markets.
Former WTO Chief and Policy Analyst Peerzada Wajid Hussain Shah said Pakistan enjoys a natural comparative advantage in livestock production but has yet to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global meat trade. He called for stronger sanitary and phytosanitary compliance, effective traceability systems, internationally recognized certifications and consistent trade policies to help exporters access high-value international markets.
Chief Executive Officer of Signature Meat Raja Tahir Lateef said the growing global demand for halal meat presents Pakistan with a significant opportunity to expand its exports. He emphasized the need for investment in modern slaughterhouses, processing facilities, branding, packaging, cold storage, efficient logistics and workforce development to build a globally competitive meat industry.
Earlier, Chairman of the ICCI Standing Committee on Meat and Livestock Sajjad Hussain Langrial, who moderated the session, welcomed participants and said the seminar aimed to bring together policymakers, industry experts, entrepreneurs and exporters to discuss practical strategies for modernizing Pakistan’s livestock and meat sector and enhancing its contribution to the national economy.
In his vote of thanks, ICCI Vice President Irfan Chaudhry appreciated the speakers for sharing their expertise and thanked participants for their active engagement. He reiterated ICCI’s commitment to organizing more knowledge-sharing forums to promote innovation, investment and public-private collaboration across key sectors of the economy.
The seminar was attended by a large number of entrepreneurs, exporters, livestock farmers, processors and members of the business community. Among those present were ICCI Executive Members Waseem Chaudhry, Zulqurnain Abbasi, Imran Minhas and Ishaq Sial, former Senior Vice President Khalid Chaudhry, senior members Israr Mishwani and Sajid Iqbal, along with other stakeholders from the livestock and meat industry.
